discerning judgment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "discerning judgment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the ability to make thoughtful and insightful decisions or evaluations. Example: "Her discerning judgment in selecting the right candidates for the job has greatly improved our hiring process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Every task forms its own universe, and it asks for discerning judgment.

The New York Times

Don was a man of deep integrity, keen intellect, discerning judgment, and immense personal warmth.

The New York Times

His profound understanding and discerning judgment on intellectual matters, and his warm sense of humor, will be greatly missed by all.

The New York Times

The word "critical" comes from the Greek word "discerning judgment".

Huffington Post

It's precisely the extreme and instant availability of work, new and old, modern and classic, that simultaneously fosters the rise of the new criticism and renders its discerning judgment — especially regarding a new generation's new films — all the more crucial.

The New Yorker

How much of this constitutes fearless free-speech advocacy and how much is pathological narcissism is a matter for more discerning judgment, although the apparent corroboration of his profile pic ("U jelly of my aesthetics, brah?") and page description ("I love me. If I weren't me, I'd wish I was") would suggest this is beyond ironic posturing, a notch up from exhibitionism.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Anyone who picks up a copy in search of discerning judgments or local insight, however, will be out of luck.

The New York Times - Travel

On the front lines, American consular officials overseas, who issued 7.1 million temporary visas last year and denied 2.4 million others, need to be in a better position to make discerning judgments about those seeking to enter the country.

The New York Times

Now it is not at all clear how Governor Romney hopes to prevail over the President's combination of good judgment, discerning listening and diplomatic skills and capable assisting personnel.

Huffington Post

Be patient and discerning in your judgments.

WikiHow

They are renowned for the unerring judgment of their discerning eye.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "discerning judgment", ensure the context clearly indicates the area in which the judgment is being applied. For example, "discerning judgment in financial matters" or "discerning judgment in artistic interpretation" provides greater clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "discerning judgment" in situations where a simple "good judgment" or "common sense" would suffice. The phrase is most effective when describing a complex or nuanced decision-making process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discerning judgment" functions as a noun phrase, where "discerning" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "judgment". It describes a specific quality or type of judgment, emphasizing thoughtfulness and insight. Ludwig indicates this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "discerning judgment" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes the ability to make thoughtful and insightful decisions. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is often used to highlight the quality of a decision-making process. While relatively uncommon, the phrase appears in various contexts, including news media, wikis, science, and formal business settings. The best practice is to ensure that the context clearly indicates where judgment is being applied, and it should be avoided in simple contexts where common sense would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keen insight

Focuses on the depth and sharpness of understanding.

astute evaluation

Highlights the careful and perceptive assessment involved.

wise assessment

Emphasizes the wisdom and experience behind the evaluation.

perceptive analysis

Stresses the ability to see beyond the surface and understand complex issues.

critical acumen

Highlights the sharpness and precision of critical thinking.

sound reasoning

Focuses on the logical and rational process of forming a judgment.

prudent decision-making

Emphasizes the careful and cautious approach to making choices.

shrewd understanding

Highlights the cleverness and resourcefulness in comprehending a situation.

sagacious discernment

Focuses on the wisdom and insight in distinguishing between different options.

thoughtful consideration

Emphasizes the care and attention given to evaluating different aspects.

FAQs

How can I use "discerning judgment" in a sentence?

You can use "discerning judgment" to describe someone's ability to make thoughtful and insightful decisions. For example: "Her "discerning judgment" in selecting investments led to significant profits."

What are some alternatives to "discerning judgment"?

Some alternatives include "keen insight", "astute evaluation", or "wise assessment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the decision-making process.

When is it appropriate to use "discerning judgment"?

It's appropriate when describing a situation requiring careful evaluation and insightful decision-making, especially when dealing with complex or ambiguous information. It implies a level of sophistication beyond simple common sense.

How does "discerning judgment" differ from "good judgment"?

"Good judgment" generally refers to making sound and sensible decisions. "Discerning judgment", on the other hand, suggests a more refined ability to distinguish subtle differences and make nuanced evaluations. It implies a deeper level of insight and understanding.